Full-automatic storage shelf assembly production line and operation method thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of storage shelves is inefficient due to a complicated transportation process and lacks automation, resulting in high labor costs, low assembly efficiency, and ineffective management of resources.

Innovation Solution

A fully automatic assembly production line for storage shelves, comprising a logistics passage, upright column loading area, support beam loading area, intra-line logistics system, shelf assembly area, and finished product area, integrated with robots and a control system for precise component handling and alignment, reducing manual intervention and enhancing production efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual assembly is used for storage shelves, then flexibility in assembly process is maintained, but assembly efficiency is low and labor cost is high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly efficiencyVSAvoidautomation level
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical assembly operations with automated robotic systems. Robots perform component transport, positioning, and assembly tasks, substituting human labor with automated mechanical systems that operate continuously at high speed, thereby dramatically improving assembly efficiency while increasing automation level.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly system incorporates self-positioning mechanisms where components automatically align and locate themselves during the assembly process. The robotic system and fixture design enable components to self-align through precision guides and positioning features, reducing the need for manual adjustment and improving overall assembly speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If components are transported manually to assembly site, then simplicity in logistics is maintained, but transportation process is complicated and space is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidlogistics system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the logistics and assembly functions into an integrated system. The robotic assembly system also handles component transport and positioning, combining multiple functions into a unified automated platform. This integration eliminates separate manual logistics operations and reduces overall system complexity despite the automation involved.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic system performs multiple functions including component retrieval, transport, positioning, and assembly. This multi-functional approach replaces separate dedicated logistics and assembly operations, simplifying the overall process flow while improving production efficiency through centralized automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If installation personnel manually adjust positions, then adaptability to position variations is maintained, but assembly efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidposition alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual position adjustment with automated robotic positioning systems equipped with precision sensors and control mechanisms. These systems automatically detect and correct position variations, maintaining alignment precision while operating at high speeds, thereby improving assembly speed without sacrificing precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly system incorporates feedback mechanisms where sensors continuously monitor component positions and provide real-time data to the control system. The system automatically adjusts positioning based on this feedback, ensuring precise alignment while maintaining high assembly speed through automated correction rather than manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If assembly site lacks informationized means, then simplicity in management is maintained, but resource management and control is ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction capacityVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a comprehensive informationized control system that continuously monitors assembly progress, component inventory, and system status. This feedback system provides real-time data to管理人员, enabling effective resource management and production control while automatically adjusting operations to optimize production capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a centralized control system that acts as an intermediary between various assembly operations and management functions. This control system collects data from sensors and robots, processes information, and coordinates resource allocation, thereby enabling effective management and control without requiring complex direct management of each individual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11478884B2Full-automatic storage shelf assembly production line and operation method thereof
Publication Date: 2022.10.25 UNITED MATERIAL HANDLING INC
  • US11478884B2 patent drawing
  • US11478884B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Disclosed are a full-automatic storage shelf assembly production line and an operation method thereof. The production line includes a logistics channel, a stand column-based feeding area, a supporting beam-based feeding area, an in-line logistics system, a shelf assembly area, a finished product area, and a control system. The stand column-based feeding area, the supporting beam-based feeding area, the shelf assembly area, and the finished product area are connected in series by means of the in-line logistics system to form an integrated production line.